Google has agreed to a $135 million settlement in a US lawsuit, meaning millions of Android users may be eligible for a small payment tied to claims about background data activity on their devices.
The legal action alleged that Google prompted Android phones to ‘transfer a variety of information’ back to the company without obtaining user permission. According to court documents, the transfers allegedly occurred ‘in the background, without any notice to the user, including when the phones are in a completely idle state’.
The complaint also argued that some of these transmissions could happen over cellular networks, potentially using up customers’ mobile data without them realising.
Google has rejected the allegations but has still chosen to resolve the dispute through a settlement.
Although $135 million sounds substantial, the amount any individual might receive remains uncertain because the total will be divided among a very large number of people. Reporting such as The Independent’s has suggested the settlement class could include around 100 million users.
The New York Post, referencing mobile market share figures that put the number of US Android users at roughly 117 million, estimated that individual payouts could be minimal—potentially in the range of about $1 to $1.50 per person.
In addition, not all of the $135 million would go directly to users, as a portion is expected to cover legal fees, court-related costs, and settlement administration expenses.
The settlement is intended to cover US residents who used an Android device with a cellular data plan at some point on or after 12 November 2017.
Even so, eligibility is not automatic for everyone who fits that broad category. Individuals who were part of a previous California settlement involving similar allegations are not included in this agreement.
A final court hearing to consider approval of the settlement is set for 23 June 2026. If the judge signs off, payments are expected to be issued electronically.
For those trying to determine whether they’re included, some potential class members have reportedly already received notices by email or mail. These notices are expected to provide the details needed to submit a claim.
People who get a notice can follow the listed steps to choose how they want to be paid. One report said claimants may be directed to use the official settlement website and enter a Notice ID along with a confirmation code.
US residents who have not received a notice and still want to check their status can reach the settlement administrator by phone at 1-844-655-4255.